Dalkeith group looks to engage business community

One Dalkeith’s first business engagement event has been hailed an overwhelming success.

Organised by volunteers of the new community group, One Dalkeith, attendees heard presentations from Midlothian Council Town Centre regeneration team, Business Gateway, Borders Railway and Dalkeith Country Park.

Accommodated by Melville Housing Association in the newly-refurbished Dalkeith Corn Exchange, local businesses were able to network after the event and take a tour of the historic building.

Event organiser and One Dalkeith treasurer John Hackett said: “From the creation of One Dalkeith we wanted to build a strong relationship with local businesses. Tonight’s event was an excellent opportunity to bring local businesses together and learn about major developments happening in our community. There will be millions of pounds invested in Dalkeith over the next few years which offers local businesses some real opportunities.”A diverse range of local businesses attended including local cafes, retailers and from the service sector.

After the event, Troy Cafe owner Hacer Gursoy said: “I enjoyed the wonderful presentations. Hopefully we can all come together to uplift Dalkeith to the more vibrant town it can be. You can me in!”

The presentations covered the council’s plan to redevelop Dalkeith town centre, Buccleuch Estate’s £7.5 million redevelopment of Dalkeith Country Park, new opportunities from the Borders Railway and the services offered by Business Gateway.

One Dalkeith chairman Douglas Strachan said: “Following the positive feedback we have received from local businesses tonight and hearing about all the opportunities for our town, we have already agreed to arrange future events. On behalf of One Dalkeith we would like to thank everybody that supported tonight’s event.”

One Dalkeith is a new community organisation working towards the formation of a community development trust for the benefit of the Dalkeith area. Residents and people of the local business community are invited to support the organisation’s work by contacting Douglas Strachan on 0131 663 9735 or chair@onedalkeith.info